Five to savor; five to see

2012 is over. 2013 is here. With that in mind, here are my five most enjoyable movies from the year that was and five to keep an eye on in the next 12 months.

Clark Leonard

2012 is over. 2013 is here. With that in mind, here are my five most enjoyable movies from the year that was and five to keep an eye on in the next 12 months.

My top 5 from 2012:

1. “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”

Starring: Logan Lerman , Emma Watson, Ezra Miller

Directed by: Stephen Chbosky

Why you should see it: “Perks” poignantly delves into the struggle for genuine friendships among a group of not so popular high school students who view themselves as “misfit toys.” It strongly advocates embracing the moment and finding people who want to be around you.

2. “Argo”

Starring: Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman

Directed by: Ben Affleck

Why you should see it: This incredible true story of a CIA agent helping U.S. embassy workers pose as a Canadian film crew to escape from Iran during the hostage crisis in 1979 is unbelievably entertaining. Affleck is stellar both as an actor playing the agent in charge of the mission and the director of this Oscar-worthy film.

3. “Silver Linings Playbook”

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro

Directed by: David O. Russell

Why you should see it: It’s an incredibly honest look at the sometimes painful dynamic of relationships among families and friends. A man (Cooper) and woman (Lawrence) each facing challenging extremely challenging circumstances form an unlikely connection in this dark comedy.

4. “The Hunger Games”

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson , Woody Harrelson

Directed by: Gary Ross

Why you should see it: Expectations were sky-high for this adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ wildly popular book, and it delivered. Lawrence’s performance as lead character Katniss fighting for her life against other children was one of a multitude of standout performances, including those by Harrelson and Lenny Kravitz .

5. “The Amazing Spider-Man”

Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans

Directed by: Marc Webb

Why you should see it: Many wondered whether this reboot should be made just five years after “Spider-Man 3.” Garfield and Stone’s natural chemistry, an intriguing villain ( Ifans as “Lizard”) and solid directing answered that question with a resounding “yes.” Following up a strong trilogy, this Spidey flick may have been the best yet.

5 to watch in 2013:

“Identity Thief”: The ever-hilarious Melissa McCarthy plays the title role while stealing the identity of Jason Bateman’s character. I’m not kidding. (Out Feb. 8)

“Star Trek into Darkness”: It’s the sequel to J.J. Abrams’ well-received film, bringing back actors Chris Pine, Zoe Saldana and others to face down a new enemy. (Out May 17)

“Superman: Man of Steel”: This reimagining of Clark Kent’s alter ego hands the cape to Henry Cavill, with Amy Adams as Lois Lane. Zack Snyder directs and Chris Nolan is a producer. (Out June 14)

“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”: The fallout begins from the unpredictable ending to the 74th Games in this sequel. Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson’s characters are in danger again as seeds of rebellion against the Capital are sown. (Out Nov. 22)